IFHA Tackles International Movement of Horses

The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities and the World Animal Health Organization said July 16 they signed an affiliation agreement designed to improve the international movement of racehorses.

The agreement was signed July 10 in Paris, France, the IFHA said in a release.

The IFHA said it "shares the view of the World Animal Health Organization, and believes strongly, that the import requirements for international competition horses should be based on scientific principles. By basing the requirements for international movement of horses on science, it is anticipated to establish a high degree of harmonization between government regulations governing temporary importation of such horses, which will facilitate their movements worldwide."

The IFHA said facilitation can only be achieved through a public-private partnership involving government and veterinarians and effective biosecurity protocols. It noted that "lack of harmonization has created difficulties for the movement of horses for racing that is hampering the growth of international horse racing."

The International Equestrian Federation has also been working with the World Animal Health Organization to address similar concerns regarding the international movement of high-level sports horses.